July 5, 2017
What Is The Inside Scoop Experience, Anyway?
We invited 13 VIP food bloggers to visit Vermont earlier this summer for an all-inclusive experience ranging from copious amounts of ice cream (think more than you can eat!) to exploring Burlington, Vermont’s food scene and taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Green Mountain State. It’ no secret that we’re known for our creamy, dreamy, chunk-and-swirl-laden ice cream.. But we have always been focused on making the world a better place, too.. And what better way to come together to discuss some of the more important social issues than over a scoop (or three) of ice cream?
So, how does one become lucky enough to indulge in such a once-in-a-lifetime experience? By embracing the “peace, love and ice cream” philosophy and being one heck of an ice cream aficionado!
It’s All About the Peace, Love & Ice Cream
As part of the two-day euphoric experience, the VIP’ers took their culinary skills to the Ben & Jerry’s research kitchen. Here, the crew separated into four groups where they were challenged to create an over-the-top, indulgent Ben & Jerry’s creation featuring one (or more!) of Ben & Jerry’s newest flavors. The VIP’ers had hands-on coaching from the team of Flavor Gurus, full range of the research kitchen and access to top-notch ingredients to craft their creations.
With everything from sky-high shakes to over-the-top ice cream sandwiches, the VIP’ers put their best Flavor Guru skills to work in concocting recipes that anybody (even you!) can make at home. Want to see what they came up with? Stay tuned for their recipes, coming up soon in celebration of National Ice Cream Month!
Deconstructed Pint-Inspired Dinner
On a warm, bright and ideal Vermont evening, the 13 guests travelled north of Burlington, Vermont to South Hero, where the crew took over a beautiful lakeside oasis nestled on one of Lake Champlain’s islands. Here is where the guests had a chance to relax and take in the picturesque lake views, mingle among Ben & Jerry’s employees, and even chat with the man himself, Ben & Jerry’s cofounder Ben Cohen, who was a surprise guest.
Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Guru Eric Fredette was also on hand, with years and years of experience as a culinary chef. To amp up the foodie experience, Eric curated a deconstructed pint dinner for the VIP’ers. Using the flavor profiles from Ben & Jerry’s newest flavors — Oat of this Swirled, Urban Bourbon and Truffle Kerfuffle — Eric put together nothing short of a mouth-watering three-course meal, collaborating with local Cloud 9 Caterers to make the magic come to life. With Urban Bourbon-inspired burnt caramel flavoring roasted potatoes, to Oat of this Swirled’s warm and comforting oatmeal flavors translated into a delectable oat milk fried rice, guests dined on a dinner fit for any Ben & Jerry’s fanatic.
What We Ate
Hors D’oeuvres
Seared Diver Scallops
Caramelized Fig, Saba
Candied Almonds
Bayley Hazen Blue Cheese,
Smoked Maple Syrup
Candied Bacon-Lettuce-Tomato
Skewer, Tarragon Aioli
Smoked Trout Gougeres
Smoked Trout Mousse
Salad
Arugula Salad
Radishes, Spring Peas, Fennel,
Toasted Pecans, Lemon Vinaigrette
Family-Style Meal
Almond Crusted Halibut
Citrus Brown Butter, Pea Shoots
Dark Cocoa Crusted Rib Eye
Carmel New Potatoes,
Creamed Ramps
Chapa Oat Milk Fried Rice
5-Spice, Lentil Sprouts,
Seasonal Vegetables
Salted Dark Chocolate Mole Short Ribs
Cinnamon Oat Tortilla, Limed
Cured Onions, Greens
Stay tuned later this month for the over-the-top ice cream recipes developed by our VIP guests during their visit!
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